Sesame Street will move to Netflix, but keeps its longtime home on PBS
Netflix and PBS have joined forces to secure the future of the beloved children’s show, Sesame Street, with a new streaming deal that will bring new episodes to a wider audience while still keeping the show on its traditional home, PBS. This groundbreaking partnership was announced on Monday, with new episodes set to premiere on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app simultaneously later this year.
The decision to partner with Netflix comes after Warner Bros. Discovery decided not to renew its deal to air new episodes of Sesame Street on HBO and Max. While episodes will still be available on these platforms until 2027, the show’s producers at Sesame Workshop saw an opportunity to expand their reach and impact by collaborating with Netflix.
“This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love,” Sesame Workshop said in a press release.
The new season of Sesame Street will feature longer segments focused on character development and emotional well-being, according to Sal Perez, the show’s executive producer. The episodes will revolve around one 11-minute story, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of important themes and lessons for young viewers.
In addition to new content, the show will also undergo updates to its look and feel, with more exploration of the Sesame Street neighborhood and a closer look inside the iconic two-story brownstone at 123 Sesame St. where beloved characters like Elmo, Bert, and Ernie reside.
“I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and Sesame Street has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century,” said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. “We’re proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come.”
Sesame Street has been a global phenomenon, shown in over 150 countries and earning numerous awards, including over 200 Emmys, Grammy and Peabody awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime artistic achievement. With this new partnership with Netflix, the show’s legacy of education and entertainment will continue to inspire and delight children for generations to come.
